Michael calls himself a drifter.

He's from Hillsborough and says he was dropped off in Carrboro by a parent. The 18-year-old spends much of his time "floating around" and hanging out with friends. Today he's in town to meet a couple of buddies for a concert: Distort the Fluff. "It's distorted psychedelic music. People think it's off beat, but it's kind of the point of it. It's pretty good. A lot of people don't like it because it's really grimy music. A lot of people think it's really shitty. But my friend plays in the band so I'm going to support him."

He is walking down Main Street in Carrboro puffing on a cigarette when I meet up with him. Michael is friendly in a soft-spoken way and quick to oblige. Says most folks are swift to pass judgement when they see him.

"I get a lot of sour faces. I guess I look sketchy. It's just my style. But I'm really friendly. I'm about peace and love."

(photographs taken on Main Street between Lloyd & Rosemary streets in Carrboro)